Three Roofs In Terms Of The Their Weather Resistance

23 July 2015

Marvin Simmons

If you live in an area that receives extreme weather, you need to consider how well different roofing materials hold up to extremes before you make a purchase. Asphalt shingles are a common roofing material, but they are not the most weather-proof option you can find. Slate and copper cost more money than asphalt shingles, but for your money, you get a high level of weather resistance.

Mother Nature vs. Asphalt

Asphalt shingles are coated with protective granules, which help to deflect the sun's UV rays before they have a chance to break down the asphalt tar that is the key ingredient in the shingles. Hail, especially large hailstones, can scrape these granules right off of your roof. Once these granules are gone, the sun can bake the volatiles right out of your shingles. They then become brittle and prone to cracking. Furthermore, high winds can tear shingles along seams or rip them right off of your roof. Thus, if you live in hurricane alley, the Midwest, or anywhere where extreme weather is common, asphalt shingles may not be the best choice for your home.

Mother Nature vs. Slate

Slate is a natural material, so you will have some variability in how long the material lasts. Soft shale can last for up to 125 years and hard shale will last for 200 years. To get the most durable slate roof, you should get thick roofing tiles. Such tiles should hold up well to even large hailstones. Because slate is a heavy material, not even gale-force winds should be able to blow it off of your roof. On the other hand, slate is so heavy that you may have to reinforce your roof joists before they are prepared to handle the shear weight of slate. And weight only becomes more of a concern if you live in an area that receives a lot of snow. Thus, while slate might hold up well in hurricane alley, it may not be the best choice if you live in the North.

Mother Nature vs. Copper

As a metal, copper won't break under an onslaught of hail. Because copper is screwed down to your roof, the wind cannot blow it off. Furthermore, copper is a light material, so you don't have to worry about it collapsing your roof, but maybe the best reason to choose copper is that it can last for centuries, and when the home below the roof collapses, you can still recycle the copper roof. The beauty of penny-metal is that it naturally develops a grey-green patina which is impervious to corrosion and thus protects the roof beneath.

If you are looking for a roof that will vastly reduce or eliminate repair costs that stem from weather damage, copper is your choice. It may be cost-prohibitive to install, but in that you may never have to repair your roof and should never have to replace it, it can actually save you money in the long run. Contact a company like R & A Roofing Services for more information.